Feature / Music
Scene Point Blank's Favorites: Year End (2010)

Welcome once again to Scene Point Blank's annual rundown of the best music of the past twelve months. This list is compiled for your viewing pleasure by a carefully-managed democratic process. SPB staff compile individual lists which are then painstakingly compiled into an overall site list. Draws and ties are decided on and eventually we arrive at the result spread out over the following pages. Read, discuss, and enjoy our opinion on 2010.

- the SPB team

25. Young Livers - Of Misery & Toil (No Idea Records)

With three years since their last full-length, Young Livers have returned in top form. Of Misery & Toil walks the thin line between packing a serious punch and being accessible. The gritty tones of interwoven dual guitars and wailing vocals are suitable for soothing any angst you might be feeling, while the impressive melodies might be just enough to convince Grandma this is good music. After you pick her up off the floor. Young Livers seem to have been asked if punk rock can be beautiful and despairing. They replied “yes” with Of Misery & Toil. One can only hope that this is not their swan song, even if it would be a perfect note to go out on. (Travis)

24. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma (Warp Records)

Flying Lotus's Steven Ellison seems to have finally become comfortable in his genius. His sound is no longer comparable to others that came before him. His influences are less present on this album; rather, they sit in the distance, almost as far-away memories to remind us of how this beautiful musical plateau was reached. Ellison is doing more than just reaching into the cosmos here. He is grasping something and bringing it back to Earth for our listening pleasure. Cosmogramma is a giant leap for music. It is no doubt a snapshot of the future to come. (Travis)

23. Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit (Profound Lore)

Agalloch are sort of a band of hermits. When looking upon the Profound Lore release schedule earlier this year and seeing this listed i was surprised to say the least. Noted the band certainly has their share of releases but, over the past few years its been dvds and compilations not true albums. Well it happened, they came out with an album that they seemed predestine to. Every chord rings big enough to fill the forests that agalloch's songs seem to inhabit. The vocals could fill stadiums while never becoming trite sounding. this is an album in the truest sense each song fitting together rather than being a collection space. Maybe it took awhile but Agalloch has recaptured the magic of their early releases while building up the songs as well. (Jon E)

22. Jimmy Eat World - Invented (Interscope)

While the rest of my fellow writers at SPB didn’t rate it as such, I can’t call Jimmy Eat World’s latest full-length, Invented, anything short of the album of the year. The Arizona quartet has once again demonstrated why they’re at the top of the game when it come to writing dynamic pop-inspired rock songs. Even at seven albums and seventeen years into their time as a band, they’ve found new ways to breath life into their music and win over new fans, while still keeping their existing fan base satisfied. The group delivers a smattering of sounds throughout their latest effort, with rock-based cuts like “My Best Theory” and “Action Needs an Audience” and more delicate emo-leanings such as heard on “Higher Devotion.” However, the album showcase is the seven minute title-track which is highlighted by slowly building sparse instrumentation for the majority of the track before rising to its climax, both musically as well as lyrically, and slowly easing its way back down. From beginning to end, Invented is nothing short of perfection. (Michael)

21. Crucified - Coldest Winters; Darkest Reaches Of The Mind (Double Or Nothing)

Crucified came nearly out of nowhere this year. That is not to say they hadn't put in their time and released a couple things. But, Crucified exist far outside the hardcore hype machine. They are a band mixes in metallic parts without being metalcore. Everything just sounds like true anger nothing less. Each song is recorded precisely and without any filler in the writing. Not a single second is wasted the listener is treated to less than half an hour of some of the most well written metallic hardcore songs of the last decade. (Jon E)

20. Elliott Smith - An Introduction To... (Kill Rock Stars)

It is hard to understand the purpose of a release like An Introduction to Elliott Smith. Should it be seen as a retrospective look at one of the more revered artists to come out of America in the nineties or a record label sanctioned attempt at creating the type of mix-tape people used to make pre-internet when you wanted to introduce friends to one of your favourite bands. As the title suggests, this release falls firmly into the latter camp. And thankfully, it is a damn good one. Living up to its title, this is an excellent introduction to Elliott Smith. (Dan)

19. Sage Francis - Li(f)e (Anti)

Hip-hop music doesn’t have to suck. Hip-hop music doesn’t have to lack substance. It really doesn’t; this is 2010. Sage Francis proves that with his fourth solo release. Li(f)e is an album filled with ambitious storytelling - some of it made up, some autobiographical - set to the background of varying musical experiments anchored in both traditional hip-hop as well as dabbling along the line of indie rock. If there is one song that I feel would sway you to fall in love with this album, as I did, it would the closing cut, “The Best of Times.” The five and a half minute piece chronicles his growing up, and overcoming obstacles, acting as a eulogy to the life he’s lived. It’s quite an eye-opening listening experience, much like the entire album. (Michael)

18. Off With Their Heads - In Desolation (Epitaph)

Off With Their Heads have built a reasonable fanbase within the fest related punk scene. This is due to certain consistency in their style, without being all the same all the time. Gruff vocals, bass heavy songs, and depressing lyrics all have their place in this. So one had to expect a backlash of sorts when, after a series of releases on smaller labels, the band announced signing to Epitaph. Certain things are generally expected when bands sign to the big "E", bigger budgets, more advertising and cleaner production. Just like one would expect the new record fits with all of these expectations. (Jon E)

17. 108 - 18:61 (Deathwish Inc.)

18:61 is gripping and urgent sounding and every bit a worthy addition to the 108 discography; the album smokes from start to finish. Some of the songs on the record will definitely take their place high in 108’s oeuvre and would probably create some of the most insane reactions in a live environment (I would probably come out of “retirement” to walk on heads during “18:61”). I genuinely love this album and hope that I actually get to see the band play these live because they are wholly moving; 18:61 comes highly recommended and may be one of the better hardcore records to come out this year. (Bob)

16. Integrity - The Blackest Curse (Deathwish Inc.)

Finally, The Blackest Curse sees the light of day with all the power of a dark, ominous poison cloud alighting on the bland morass of what passes for hardcore punk these days. Integrity definitely pulls out all the stops on this record; in every facet The Blackest Curse proves that it stands up with some of the best records in the band’s oeuvre. The music is blisteringly tight and the attack is vicious sounding, save for the equally excellent slower, moodier moments of the record. In any case, this is a must own record for anyone into heavy music, hardcore, metal, what have you; surely, one of the great albums from Integrity. (Bob)

15. The Gamits - Parts (Paper + Plastick)

What do you get when you throw Jawbreaker and Alkaline Trio into a blender? One of the finest pop-punk albums of the year. The Gamits’ Parts takes a competent formula and uses it to keep the listener coming back for more. Parts is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve. These 11 tracks will keep you coming back for another listen. Occasionally, the chord progressions can seem recycled. However, you won’t skip a single track, and each time you’ll soak in some of the most well written, but despairing lyrics in pop-punk. (Aaron H)

14. Daughters - Daughters (Hydra Head)

Less frantic and chaotic than their previous material, Daughters' apparently final offering surprised fans this year. Some mid-tempo songs and avant-garde experimentation make this a brave record, alongside neurotic vocals and eerie drumbeats. We still get odd flares of double-bass drumming and fret-bending guitar work, but listeners looking for something slightly more accessible while still retaining Daughters' uniquely textured sound will appreciate this final outing.

13. Alkaline Trio - This Addiction (Heart & Skull)

While there is a certain sterility here, that doesn’t stop many of the songs firmly working their hooks into your head with devilish glee. The trio take a fair swing at instrumental experimentation with keyboard work on “Eating Me Alive” and some brass on “Lead Poisoning,” which makes for a refreshing variation on the Alk3 sound. And then there’s the title track and “The American Scream,” both of which race out of your speakers, dressed in black with huge grins on their faces. So what to take from all this? While this isn’t the pick of their catalog, it is certainly their best release for some years. It’s a return to form in style if not in substance, and for now that’s enough to keep me happy/sad/addicted/on fire. (Matt T)

12. Make Do and Mend - End Measured Mile (Paper + Plastick)

This is a perfect example of a debut album - the band shows improvement in their songwriting and attention to how the album should move along. This is all done without sacrificing the things that got them to this point. The band seems to have paid attention to every facet of this album - not only in regards to the songs but the presentations as well. This is a sign of a serious and mature band. Anyone that loves music should be able to enjoy and appreciate the effort and thought put into this release. (Jon E)

11. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy)

With one overblown and hyperambitious debut Monáe has invigorated pop music, issuing the kind of challenge Prince, Madonna, Grace Kelly, Bowie and other greats once aimed at a turgid music industry. The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III, to give it its full title) is a bold and thrilling record. When the pop historians write up 2010, there’s no question Monáe’s name will figure. We can only hope for future generations’ sake her efforts will inspire other (more frequently hyped) artists to raise their game and subvert an often tired genre in the way that she undeniably has with The ArchAndroid. (Matt)

10. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)

If you’re still unfamiliar with Murder by Death’s amalgamation of rock and roll, folk, and Americana, then I’m not quite sure what to tell you other than, “Shame, shame, shame...” With their fifth full-length release, the band continues to excel at what they do best: country-tinged indie rock anchored on the lyrical imagery of vocalist/guitarist Adam Turla. Unlike it’s predecessor, Red of Tooth and Claw, the pop-direction of the songs are scaled back and the group has focused in on writing delicate, slower, and thought-provoking pieces, such as heard on the title-track and “Foxglove.” On the flip side Murder by Death doesn’t allow you to forget their knack for writing an upbeat danceable tune to sing-along with; “On the Dark Streets Below” is a prime example of that. (Michael)

9. Nails - Unsilent Death (Six Feet Under)

Without a doubt, Unsilent Death will be seeing continuous heavy rotation in sound systems of hardcore fans, junkies, aficionados, what have you simply because it is one hell of a record; realistically, Nails is one of those bands that do not come along often, but when they do it is quick and harsh punishment that burns out quick. Hopefully, there is more to come from this trio, but even if Unsilent Death (and its predecessor Obscene Humanity) is all that we get to hear, it will be entirely worth it; time will tell, but this just might be one of the best releases this year. (Bob)

8. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)

As the songs on American VI: Ain’t No Grave play, I get the distinct impression that the album feels like a letter to those that John was leaving behind (family, friends, and fans) that was meant to ease all our minds, not just about his passing, but also about life in general in the face of adversity. There are some records out there that artists made in the face of death or major adversity (such as the loss of a loved one) that sound and are full of moods like grim resignation or anger or defiance; American VI: Ain’t No Grave sounds nothing like these, but rather the purveying mood of the record is a calm and stately reserve that seemingly comes from Cash’s experience and faith as well as hope. (Bob)

7. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)

As a final chapter in the all-too-brief career of Crime in Stereo, I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone is far from a footnote. Unpredictable and challenging, it defies the melodic hardcore of their debut and offers a meaty, progressive spin on punk and post-hardcore, keeping things heavy and deep throughout. We may mourn their loss but their legacy was untainted. (Matt)

6. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)

The Gaslight Anthem have a consistency of a band twice their age. Each album shows growth but never strays too far from their well worn ethic. Strong guitar chords ring out with the sound of a band that has played a few bars in their time. Meanwhile a songwriter in the classic Cohen and Springsteen vein calls out lost loves and forgotten youth like he has never left Jersey. Every song sound clean but dirty enough to be believed the band fought for its creation. The Gaslight Anthem was punk rock's pre-eminent rock and roll bar band now becoming something bigger without ever losing their touch for great songs. (Jon E)

5. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)

Arcade Fire’s third full-length release was arguably one of the most anticipated records of 2010 in all of music. The band’s ever-increasing popularity led to high expectations, and yet the Canadian-based indie rock outfit seemed to meet and exceed those expectations with the greatest of ease. The Suburbs is a captivating listen from start to finish. Even as it pushes beyond the hour-long mark, the album with the varying subtleties of rock, folk, and dashes of punk enthralls the listener for its entirety. (Michael)

4. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)

It’s no secret Seattle’s Minus The Bear is at the forefront of the complex indie-pop movement. With their fourth full-length, Omni, the band continues their stay at the top, but in a different way than before. While we wouldn’t suggest someone who has never heard Minus The Bear start out with Omni, it is a great record for an already-established Minus The Bear fan. It’s not as technically complex as their previous releases, but it shows the catchier side of the band not many could initially see. (Gregg)

3. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)

Their first record for Matador; their first record featuring new bassist Marty Key: The Brutalist Bricks is a record of firsts. Slick songwriting, absurdly catchy choruses, and all-round organic rock and roll, stripped down and urgent. Whether a new label, new bandmate or new government has inspired Leo to return to his roots, the major point to note is that he’s lost none of his songwriting abilities and desire to remain hopeful, urgent and intelligent. Long may he continue. (Matt)

2. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)

Many fans and critics considered The Dillinger Escape Plan’s 2007 release Ire Works to be a bit of a misstep for the band. However, those same individuals have been quick to call Option Paralysis a return to form and praise the band’s latest full-length as their best work outside of Calculating Infinity. The band’s continued fusion of melody and experimentation with electronica into their own twisted, dynamic, face-melting math-metal formula has truly reached its apex on the band’s latest full-length. Cuts like “Good Neighbor” and “I Wouldn’t if you Didn’t” easily recall the band’s Miss Machine-era output while album gem “Widower” showcases the band’s progression and development as songwriters as they push the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from the band, leaving us eager to hear what’s next. (Michael)

1. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)

Comparing My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky to previous efforts by Swans is considerably difficult (when thinking of how it stands up to their brute force, understated beauty, or entrancing sounds) because Gira and company do not sit still and simply regurgitate motifs or methodologies from the past; instead, Swans pushes forward much as they did in their first go around over the course of over a decade and fashions an excellent addition to their discography. For every bruising sonic explosion on the album there is an equally passive and introspective counterweight to balance and flesh the record out into a much more moody affair. Without pretense Swans returns with an excellent album that firmly announces their wish to move forward with their music and sound, and, if this record is not on your list to at least hear this year, then you are missing out because it is an essential release that will surely hypnotize other listeners just as much as it has us. (Bob)

Individual Staff Lists

Below are the staff lists by SPB writers which made up the overall site totals. To link to a specific writer's list, simply click their name and copy the URL in your address bar. To view our review of the record (where applicable), click the album name.

Aaron H's list

1. The Gamits - Parts (Paper + Plastick)
2. RVIVR - Self-Titled (Rumbletowne)
3. Iron Chic - Not Like This (Dead Broke Rekerds)
4. The Thermals - Personal Life (Kill Rock Stars)
5. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)
6. Bars of Gold - Of Gold (Friction Records)
7. The Menzingers - Chamberlain Waits (Red Scare)
8. We Were Skeletons - Self-Titled (Topshelf)
9. The Riot Before - Rebellion (Paper + Plastick)
10. Best Coast - Crazy For You (Mexican Summer)
11. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)
12. None More Black - Icons (Fat Wreck)
13. Elliott Smith - An Introduction To... (Kill Rock Stars)
14. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)
15. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy)
16. Dangers - Messy, Isn't It? (Vitriol)
17. Make Do and Mend - End Measured Mile (Paper + Plastick)
18. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
19. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
20. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)
21. Defiance, Ohio - Midwestern Minutes (No Idea)
22. Against Me! - White Crosses (Sire)
23. Smoke or Fire - The Speakeasy (Fat Wreck)
24. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
25. Alkaline Trio - This Addiction (Heart & Skull)

Bob's list

1. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)
2. Locrian - The Crystal World (Utech)
3. Integrity - The Blackest Curse (Deathwish Inc.)
4. Planning For Burial - Leaving (Enemies List Home Recordings)
5. House Of Low Culture / Mamiffer - Split (Utech)
6. Angel Eyes - Midwestern (The Mylene Sheath)
7. Various Artists - A Death Cinematic / Sons Of Alpha Centaurii - Split (Simple Box Construction)
8. Envy - Recitation (Temporary Residence)
9. 108 - 18:61 (Deathwish Inc.)
10. Burning Love - Songs For Burning Lovers (Deranged)
11. One Starving Day - Atlas Coelestis (Beta Lactam Ring/Nar Shardaa)
12. Sailors WIth Wax Wings - Self Titled (Angel Oven Records)
13. Iroha & Fragment - Bittersweet (Denovali)
14. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)
15. Starkweather - This Sheltering Night (Deathwish Inc.)
16. Gholas - ??????? (Self Released)
17. Twilight - Monument To Time End (Southern Lord)
18. Woe - Quietly, Undramatically (Candlelight)
19. Krieg - The Isolationist (Candlelight)
20. Year of No Light - Ausserwelt (E-Music)
21. Nails - Unsilent Death (Six Feet Under)
22. Nadja - Autopergamene (Essence Music)
23. End Of A Year - You Are Beneath Me (Deathwish Inc)
24. Airs - Rainclouds Over The Remains Of Hope (Music Ruins Lives)
25. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)

Dan Fisher's list

1. She & Him - Volume Two (Merge)
2. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
3. Blood Red Shoes - Fire Like This (V2)
4. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now (Theory 8)
5. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can (Virgin)
6. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
7. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)
8. Far - At Night We Live (Xtra Mile)
9. Wavves - King of the Beach (Fat Possum)
10. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)
11. The Gamits - Parts (Paper + Plastick)
12. Jimmy Eat World - Invented (Interscope)
13. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)
14. Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago (Matador)
15. Imelda May - Mayhem (Decca)

Gregg Harrington's list

1. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
2. Cipher - The Joyous Collapse (Uprising)
3. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)
4. Sage Francis - Li(f)e (Anti)
5. 108 - 18:61 (Deathwish Inc.)
6. Terror - Keepers Of The Faith (Century Media)
7. Trash Talk - Eyes And Nines (Trash Talk Collective)
8. Nails - Unsilent Death (Six Feet Under)
9. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
10. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)

Jon E.'s list

1. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)
2. Integrity - The Blackest Curse (Deathwish Inc.)
3. Alcest - Ecailles De Lune (Prophecy Productions)
4. Starkweather - This Sheltering Night (Deathwish Inc.)
5. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Def Jam)
6. Danzig - Deth Red Sabaoth (Evilive Records)
7. Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent (Universal)
8. Death In June - Peaceful Snow (Nerus)
9. Crucified - coldest winters; darkest reaches of the mind (Double Or Nothing)
10. Nails - Unsilent Death (Six Feet Under)
11. Skin Like Iron - Descent Into Light (Six Feet Under)
12. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma (Warp Records)
13. Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit (Profound Lore)
14. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
15. The Body - All the Waters of the Earth Shall Turn to Blood (At A Loss)
16. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
17. Make Do and Mend - End Measured Mile (Paper + Plastick)
18. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy)
19. Burning Love - Songs For Burning Lovers (Deranged)
20. Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 (Century Media)
21. MATER SUSPERIA VISION - Second Coming (Disaro)
22. Have a Nice Life - Voids (Music Ruins Lives)
23. Parasitic Skies - The Descent (Seventh Dagger)
24. Trash Talk - Eyes And Nines (Trash Talk Collective)
25. Lantlôs - .Neon (Lupus Lounge)

Kevin's list

1. Iggy & The Stooges - Raw Power (Re-Issue) (Sony)
2. 1349 - Demonoir (Prosthetic Records)
3. Chastain - The Reign of Leather (Leviathan Records)
4. Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones (Prowling Death)
5. Forbidden - Omega Wave (Nuclear Blast)
6. Arson Anthem - Insecurity Notoriety (Housecore Records)
7. Accept - Blood of the Nations (Nuclear Blast)
8. Mike Patton - Mondo Cane (Ipecac)
9. Dio - At Donington UK: Live 1983 (Niji Entertainment Group)
10. Flobots - Survival Story (Universal)
11. Foetus - Hide (Ectopic Ents)
12. Burzum - Belus (Phantasm Imports)
13. Deathspell Omega - Paracletus (Norma Evangelium Diaboli/SOM)
14. Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty (Relapse)
15. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)
16. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing (Southern Lord)
17. Deftones - Diamond Eyes (Reprise)
18. Elliott Smith - An Introduction To... (Kill Rock Stars)
19. MIA - Maya (Interscope)
20. Trap Them - Filth Rations (Southern Lord)
21. Angel Eyes - Midwestern (The Mylene Sheath)
22. Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent (Universal)
23. Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 (Century Media)
24. Rotting Christ - Aealo (Season of Mist)
25. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)

Loren's list

1. Tiltwheel - The Hiatus AKA The High Hate Us (ADD Records)
2. The Brokedowns - Species Bender (Red Scare)
3. Arrivals - Volatile Molotov (Recess)
4. Off With Their Heads - In Desolation (Epitaph)
5. STNNNG - The Smoke of My Will (Modern Radio)
6. The Dopamines - Expect The Worst (Paper + Plastick)
7. The Measure [SA] - Notes (No Idea)
8. Whiskey - Rust Colors (No Idea)
9. The Sass Dragons - New Kids On The Bong (Johans Face)
10. Young Livers - Of Misery & Toil (No Idea Records)
11. MIA - Maya (Interscope)
12. Mike Patton - Mondo Cane (Ipecac)
13. Devil's Brigade - Devil's Brigade (Hellcat)
14. The Riot Before - Rebellion (Paper + Plastick)
15. Defiance, Ohio - Midwestern Minutes (No Idea)
16. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans)
17. Tim Barry - 28th and Stonewall (Suburban Home)
18. Too Many Daves - Weekend at Dave's (ADD Records)
19. Private Dancer - Alive in High Five (Learning Curve)
20. Brendan Kelly/Joe McMahon - Wasted Potential (Red Scare)
21. Sundowner - We Chase the Waves (Asian Man)
22. The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever (Vagrant)
23. Mayflower - Second Best Sunsets (Kiss of Death)
24. Wavves - King of the Beach (Fat Possum)
25. Black Keys - Brothers (Nonesuch)

Matt's list

1. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy)
2. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
3. Beach House - Teen Dream (Sub Pop)
4. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans)
5. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker (Modular Recordings)
6. Rafter - Animal Feelings (Asthmatic Kitty)
7. Rocky Votolato - True Devotion (Barsuk/Second Nature)
8. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)
9. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit (Ninja Tune)
10. Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings - I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone)
11. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)
12. Frightened Rabbit - The Winter Of Mixed Drinks (Fat Cat)

Michael's list

1. Jimmy Eat World - Invented (Interscope)
2. Crucified - coldest winters; darkest reaches of the mind (Double Or Nothing)
3. Mumford - Sigh No More (Glass Note)
4. Off With Their Heads - In Desolation (Epitaph)
5. Sage Francis - Li(f)e (Anti)
6. Make Do and Mend - End Measured Mile (Paper + Plastick)
7. The National - High Violet (4ad)
8. Black Keys - Brothers (Nonesuch)
9. Alpha - Life Swallower (6131)
10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)
11. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
12. Skin Like Iron - Descent Into Light (Six Feet Under)
13. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)
14. Terror - Keepers Of The Faith (Century Media)
15. Deftones - Diamond Eyes (Reprise)
16. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
17. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Sony)
18. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)
19. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing (Southern Lord)
20. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise (Atlantic)
21. She & Him - Volume Two (Merge)
22. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)
23. Killing the Dream - Lucky Me (Deathwish Inc.)
24. Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings - I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone)
25. Starkweather - This Sheltering Night (Deathwish Inc.)

Scott W.'s list

1. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)
2. Alkaline Trio - This Addiction (Heart & Skull)
3. Roky Erickson - True Love Cast Out All Evil (Anti)
4. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)
5. Elliott Smith - An Introduction To... (Kill Rock Stars)
6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)
7. Against Me! - White Crosses (Sire)
8. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
9. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
10. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)

Travis's list

1. Alkaline Trio - This Addiction (Heart & Skull)
2. Daughters - Daughters (Hydra Head)
3. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma (Warp Records)
4. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis (Season of Mist)
5. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)
6. Young Livers - Of Misery & Toil (No Idea Records)
7. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain’t No Grave (American)
8. None More Black - Icons (Fat Wreck)
9. Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone (Bridge Nine)
10. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
11. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy)
12. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise (Atlantic)
13. Make Do and Mend - End Measured Mile (Paper + Plastick)
14. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Side One Dummy)
15. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge)
16. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Def Jam)
17. 108 - 18:61 (Deathwish Inc.)
18. The Gamits - Parts (Paper + Plastick)
19. Minus the Bear - OMNI (Dangerbird)
20. Murder by Death - Good Morning, Magpie (Vagrant)
21. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)
22. Black Keys - Brothers (Nonesuch)
23. Trap Them - Filth Rations (Southern Lord)
24. Defiance, Ohio - Midwestern Minutes (No Idea)
25. A Wilhelm Scream - Self Titled (Paper + Plastick)

Zak Vargas's list

1. Daughters - Daughters (Hydra Head)
2. Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit (Profound Lore)
3. Rorcal - Heliogabalus (Cal Of Ror)
4. Swans - My Father Will Guide Us Up A Rope To The Sky (Young God)
5. Nails - Unsilent Death (Six Feet Under)
6. Male Bonding - Nothing Hurts (Sub Pop)
7. The Secret - Solve Et Coagula (Southern Lord)
8. Man's Gin - Smiling Dogs (Profound Lore)
9. Electric Wizard - Black Masses (Rise Above)
10. Unearthly Trance - V (Relapse)
11. The Body - All the Waters of the Earth Shall Turn to Blood (At A Loss)
12. Deathspell Omega - Paracletus (Norma Evangelium Diaboli/SOM)
13. Surroundings - Surroundings (Free Cake)
14. Alcest - Ecailles De Lune (Prophecy Productions)
15. Coffinworm - When All Became None (Profound Lore)
16. Masakari - The Profit Feeds (Southern Lord)
17. Olde Growth - Olde Growth (Self-released)
18. Kylesa - Spiral Shadow (Season of Mist)
19. Bongripper - Satan Worshipping Doom (Self-released)
20. The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme (Labrador Sweden )
21. Sailors WIth Wax Wings - Self Titled (Angel Oven Records)
22. Ramesses - Take the Curse (Ritual Productions)
23. Thou - Summit (Gilead Media)
24. Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones (Prowling Death)
25. Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s) (Denovali Records)

Graphs & Statistics

It wouldn't be a SPB year end feature without some nerdy data. Enjoy.

Album review score breakdown

This one is somewhat complex but makes for interesting reading. Each coloured area of the bars represents a group of album ratings from SPB - from light to dark it goes 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-10. The bigger that section of the bar, the more albums were rated in that score group. Each bar represents a year. We can see that 2010 has around double the number of high scoring (9-10) albums compared to 2009. Before that, the best year of the last 5 was in 2006. Do you agree? Let us know!

Here's one more graph for old time's sake. It's self explanatory.

Number of graphs in SPB year end features 2005-2010